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Narra J Aug 2023Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain significant global health challenges addressed by countries worldwide. The...
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain significant global health challenges addressed by countries worldwide. The advent of antiretroviral therapy (ARV) has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality of people living with HIV (PLHIV), transforming HIV/AIDS from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic disease. However, the increasing number of elderly individuals with HIV who experience early frailty syndrome presents new challenges and potential for diminished quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life and to identify its significant predictors in PLHIV patients who have received ARV therapy in Banda Aceh, a Muslim-majority region in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on all PLHIV who received ARV therapy at the voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) polyclinic at Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia between January and February 2023. The WHOQOL-HIV BREF instrument, a multi-dimensional tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), was used to assess the quality of life of the PLHIV, and potential predictors were assessed. The Chi-squared test was used to determine the predictors associated with the quality of patient's lives. Our data indicated that the majority of PLHIV were male (88%), 26-35 years old (78%), employed (92%), and unmarried (54%). Poor quality of life was dominant for the physical health (100%) and social relationships (76%) domains. In contrast, good quality of life was observed in aspects of independence, psychology, and spirituality, all reporting 100% results. Significant associations were found between married status (=0.004) and medication adherence (<0.001) with higher quality of life among PLHIV. In conclusion, married PLHIVs that received support from their partners regarding adherence to therapy exhibited a better quality of life. These results underscore the significance of sustained support systems and adherence strategies to enhance PLHIV's quality of life.
PubMed: 38450267
DOI: 10.52225/narra.v3i2.202 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is...
BACKGROUND
Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases.
METHOD
A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer.
RESULTS
Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor's degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms.
PubMed: 38450193
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1295847 -
BMC Endocrine Disorders Mar 2024As the population ages, the global burden of cardiometabolic disorders will increase. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders...
Evaluation of the prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders (diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) diagnosed, undiagnosed, treated, and treatment goal in the elderly: Bushehr Elderly Health Program (BEH).
As the population ages, the global burden of cardiometabolic disorders will increase. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders (diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) in elderly and to evaluate the effects of various variables including age, sex, education, marital status, smoking, income, physical activity, dementia and depressed mood on untreated cardiometabolic disorders. This was a cross sectional study conducted in Bushehr Elderly Health Program. A total 2381 participants were included. Medical data were collected by trained interviewers. The mean age of the study participants was 69.34 years. Proportions of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia were 43.25%, 75.71%, 64.74% and 35.31% respectively. Untreated diabetes prevalence was higher for males (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.20-2.15), older adults (OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 1.00-1.05), and pre-frail status (OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.52-0.92). Males (OR = 2.16, 95%CI = 1.64-2.84) and current smokers (OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.05-1.93), in contrast to married participants (OR = 0.25, 95%CI = 0.08-0.78), people with higher education levels (OR = 0.51, 95%CI = 0.29-0.89) and dementia (OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.61-1.00) were more likely to have untreated HTN. Untreated dyslipidemia is more common in smokers (OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.19-2.66) and males (OR = 1.66, 95%CI = 1.21-2.27), while untreated hypercholesteremia is more common in males (OR = 3.20, 95%CI = 1.53-6.69) and is reported lower in people with dementia (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.28-1.01).
Topics: Aged; Male; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Cross-Sectional Studies; Goals; Prevalence; Diabetes Mellitus; Hypertension; Dementia
PubMed: 38443972
DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01561-0 -
BMC Surgery Mar 2024From year to year, the proportion of people living with overweight and obesity in China rises, along with the prevalence of diseases linked to obesity. Although...
BACKGROUND
From year to year, the proportion of people living with overweight and obesity in China rises, along with the prevalence of diseases linked to obesity. Although bariatric surgery is gaining popularity, there are still several issues with its promotion compared to Western nations. Since less developed places in China are more widespread due to disparities in the development of different regions, there has been little exploration of the factors that might be related to acceptance of bariatric surgery in these regions.
METHODS
Patients who visited the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at the North Sichuan Medical College Affiliated Hospital from 2018 to 2022 and had obesity or other relevant metabolic problems were surveyed using a questionnaire. The relationship between demographic factors, socioeconomic status, and acceptance of bariatric surgery was analyzed.
RESULTS
Of 334 patients, 171 had bariatric surgery. BMI, education level, marriage history, medical insurance, family support, and a history of type 2 diabetes were all linked to having bariatric surgery, according to a univariate analysis. In a multivariate analysis, BMI (P = 0.02), education (P = 0.02), family support (P<0.001), medical insurance coverage (P<0.001), and history of type 2 diabetes (P = 0.004) were all positively associated with a willingness to have bariatric surgery. Among 163 non-bariatric patients with obesity, 15.3% were not opposed to surgery but preferred trying medication first, 54.6% leaned towards medical therapy, and 30% were hesitant. Additionally, a majority of patients (48.55%) often lacked adequate knowledge about weight reduction therapy. Age, height, gender, smoking, drinking, family history of type 2 diabetes, education, and marital status did not significantly differ (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Many patients are concerned about the safety of surgical treatment and the possibility of regaining weight. Due to the relatively high cost of bariatric surgery, they tend to choose medical treatment. To enhance the acceptance of bariatric surgery in underdeveloped regions of China, it is crucial to focus on disseminating knowledge about bariatric surgery, offer pertinent health education to the community, and foster support from patients' families. The government should pay more attention to obesity and provide support in the form of medical insurance.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Bariatric Surgery; Obesity; Overweight; China
PubMed: 38443901
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-024-02373-8 -
Blood Advances Jun 2024Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often undergo physical decline leading to negative outcomes. Identification of distinct trajectories may help guide clinical...
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often undergo physical decline leading to negative outcomes. Identification of distinct trajectories may help guide clinical decision-making and supportive care interventions. We built group-based trajectory models (GBTM) to find trajectories of change in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Physical Well-Being (FACT-PWB) subscale (up to 5 time points over 0 to 200 days of follow-up) using data from adults with newly diagnosed AML in 4 supportive care studies. We also estimated the association of baseline characteristics (age, marital status, education, AML risk, baseline FACT-PWB, depression, and anxiety) with group membership. Among 343 patients with ≥2 FACT-PWB scores, mean age was 69.6 years (standard deviation, 12.1); most had intermediate-risk AML (n = 178 [51.8%]), received intensive treatment (n = 244 [71.1%]), and died during follow-up (n = 199 [58.0%]). The GBTM with 4 distinct trajectories showed the best fit. The largest group (n = 153 [45.0%]) showed slight improvement, whereas the smallest (n = 8 [2.4%]) experienced early decline with later improvement. Baseline FACT-PWB was the only characteristic statistically significantly associated with group membership. Adults with AML show distinct trajectories of physical well-being, and many experience some decline. Exploring trajectories of self-reported and objective physical function may inform decision-making and interventions. These trials were registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT02975869, #NCT03310918, and #NCT03372291.
Topics: Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Aged; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Quality of Life; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38429079
DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011804 -
PloS One 2024This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM), treatment practice, and the associated factors post-introduction of Tenofovir Lamivudine and...
Prevalence, treatment, and factors associated with cryptococcal meningitis post introduction of integrase inhibitors antiretroviral based regimens among People Living with HIV in Tanzania.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM), treatment practice, and the associated factors post-introduction of Tenofovir Lamivudine and Dolutegravir (TLD) regimen among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Tanzania.
METHODS
This was an analytical cross-sectional study, and the data was collected retrospectively in three public regional referral hospitals (RRHs) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 405 files of the PLHIV admitted in the medical wards on the TLD regimen from January 2019 to December 2022 were reviewed. The collected information includes the patient's demographic characteristics, Cryptococcal status, CD4 level at the time of CM diagnosis, status of using ART, CM treatment approach, and outcome. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 23.
RESULTS
Out of 405 patients, the majority 267(65.9%) were female, 224(55.3%) were aged between 36-55 years, and 293(72.3%) were married. ART defaulters were found to be 37(9.1%). The prevalence of CM was found to be 48(11.9%), out of which 42(87.5%) received fluconazole alone. ART defaulter and marital status significantly (p-value < 0.05) were associated with those who tested CM positive.
CONCLUSION
The study found the prevalence of CM among PLHIV to be significantly high and the majority were treated with fluconazole alone. ART defaulters and marital status were significantly associated with one being CM positive. Responsible authorities and stakeholders should enforce guideline adherence and PLHIV should be encouraged on medication adherence.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; HIV Infections; Meningitis, Cryptococcal; Integrase Inhibitors; Fluconazole; Tanzania; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Anti-HIV Agents; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Lamivudine; Tenofovir; Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring
PubMed: 38412200
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294940 -
Heliyon Feb 2024The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of structural family therapy and mindfulness-based family therapy in cohesion and...
The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of structural family therapy and mindfulness-based family therapy in cohesion and adaptability in couples with marital dissatisfaction. The research was a semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design and a two-month follow-up. The research population comprised all couples with marital dissatisfaction who referred to family counseling centers in Tehran (Iran) in the first 6 months of 2021. Out of this number, 30 couples with marital dissatisfaction were selected using convenience and purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to three groups: structural family therapy, mindfulness-based family therapy and the control group. The research tool was the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale by Olson, Portner and Lavee (1996). In order to analyze the data, repeated measures analysis of variance was used. The findings demonstrated that there is a significant difference between the two experimental groups and the control group in cohesion and adaptability scores. This means that both experimental groups had a significant effect on cohesion and adaptability components (p < 0.05). Further, the results suggested that there is a significant difference between the two experimental groups of structural family therapy and mindfulness-based family therapy in terms of the effectiveness in the components of cohesion and adaptability. Accordingly, the effect of structural family therapy on couple's cohesion and adaptability was greater than that of mindfulness-based family therapy (p < 0.05).
PubMed: 38404907
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24827 -
Cureus Jan 2024The study sought to assess the level of awareness regarding osteoarthritis and its management.
OBJECTIVE
The study sought to assess the level of awareness regarding osteoarthritis and its management.
METHODS
This study was cross-sectional, using data from a sample of 389 individuals from the central region of Saudi Arabia. The participants completed an online questionnaire and ensured anonymity. Results: A total of 389 participants made up the sample for this study, which had a predominance of females (56.6%, n=220), a majority aged <50 years (66.6%, n=259), and most of them (51.7%, n=201) weighing 60-80 kg, substantial proportion lived in the Riyadh region (27.5%, n=107), with more than half (59.4%, n=231) having a university education and working in offices (28.3%, n=110). The majority (73.3%, n=285) of participants were married, and a vast majority (87.9%, n=342) were not smokers. The findings revealed that only 32.9% (n=128) of the participants had good knowledge about osteoarthritis. The study found that stiffness (80.2%, n=312) and swelling (97.9%, n = 381) are the most common signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis; the risk factors for osteoarthritis were genetic factors (79.7%, n=310) and age (91.3%, n=355). The treatment of osteoarthritis identified in the study included exercises such as swimming (85.1%, n=331), physical therapy (86.6%, n=337), and joint replacement surgery (92.0%, n=358). The study established a statistically significant association between age, education level, previous diagnosis of osteoarthritis, family history of osteoarthritis (p = 0.004, 0.001, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively), and level of knowledge about osteoarthritis. However, there was no statistically significant association between gender, marital status, smoking status, previous knee injuries, physical activity level, and the level of knowledge about osteoarthritis (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, the study revealed that 32.9% (n=128) of the participants had good knowledge about osteoarthritis. Participants aged 50-60 years, those with a university and post-graduate level of education, as well as those who had a previous diagnosis of osteoarthritis and those with a family history of osteoarthritis, had greater and better knowledge and awareness about osteoarthritis. Joint stiffness and swelling were identified, as the most common signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. The risk factors identified in the study were genetic factors and age, while the treatment options noted by the study were exercise, such as swimming, physical therapy, and joint replacement surgery. The study notes the need for enhanced public awareness of the problems associated with osteoarthritis among the Saudi Arabian population.
PubMed: 38384606
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52736 -
BMC Cancer Feb 2024Women living with HIV are at risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer worldwide. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that testing for high-risk HPV...
BACKGROUND
Women living with HIV are at risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer worldwide. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that testing for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection be incorporated into cervical cancer screening programs using molecular nucleic acid tests (NATs) but this has not previously been done in Uganda. The country's coverage for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) screening remains low at less than 10% for women aged 25-49 years. This study determined the genital prevalence of hrHPV infection and the associated factors among women living with HIV in Uganda.
METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 selected health facilities among participants who were on Antiretroviral therapy (ART). Participants who consented to participate were instructed on how to collect their own high vaginal swabs using a cervical brush for HPV molecular testing (HPV DNA or HPV RNA) and their demographics data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Laboratory diagnosis for HPV molecular testing was done using Gene xpert machines and Hologic Aptima Machine. Modified Poisson regression analysis was conducted to determine the associated factors.
RESULTS
This study involved 5856 HIV positive participants on ART. A total of 2006 out of 5856 (34.3%) participants had high risk HPV infections. HPV infections by genotypes were: HPV16 317(15.8%), HPV 18/45 308 (15.4%) and other high-risk HPV 1381 (68.8%). The independent factors associated with all hrHPV were parity, education level, having more than one partner, and engaging in early sex. Smoking was associated with HPV 16, HPV 18/45 and other hrHPV. Age was associated with all hrHPV, marital status with HPV 16, and occupation with HPV 16.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of genital high-risk HPV infections among HIV positive women attending ART clinics in public facilities in Uganda was high. Other hrHPV genotype was the commonest compared to 18/45 and HPV 16. The integration of cervical cancer screening in ART programmes remains paramount to support the early detection of cervical cancer and Non-invasive self-collected urine and vaginal sampling for cervical cancer screening present an opportunity.
Topics: Female; Humans; HIV; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Infections; Early Detection of Cancer; Prevalence; Uganda; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; HIV Infections; Papillomaviridae
PubMed: 38383366
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11928-0 -
BMC Oral Health Feb 2024Edentulism is one of the most commonly encountered conditions affecting the oral cavity. Dental implants have emerged as a widely accepted treatment option...
BACKGROUND
Edentulism is one of the most commonly encountered conditions affecting the oral cavity. Dental implants have emerged as a widely accepted treatment option prosthodontically. However, lack of public awareness and the cost of the treatment act as barriers to limit their applicability.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the perception, sentiments, and level of awareness toward dental implants among the general population in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 1132 participants in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq, from February 15, 2023, till August 15, 2023, to collect their sociodemographic data, knowledge and attitudes toward dental implants for their missing tooth/teeth.
RESULTS
The mean age of participants was 41.3 ± 14.6 years, and most (30.7%) belong to the age group 31-44 years. Also, most of them were males (63.6%), married (75.3%), educated (91.3%), from rural areas (82.3%), and had > 1 missing tooth (75%). Regarding the participants' knowledge of dental implants, most had information (78.4%)/heard about it (83.3%), mainly from dentists (43.6%); however, least of them (21.5%) /their family members (43%) had replaced missing teeth by dental implants. Additionally, the participant's attitudes toward the dental implant indicated that most of them were interested in replacing their missing teeth (88.8%) but did not do it due to financial reasons (87%) and considered replacement as a significant (92.5%) and safe process (79.2%). Also, most of them thought there was no substantial difference between artificial and natural tooth appearance/function (47.9%), preferred the delayed implant for dental implant (47.7%), and would like to do an implant due to problems in dental appearance, speech, or dental function (81.5%). Finally, significant/highly significant differences were seen between each participant's factor (age, gender, marital status, education level, and residency) with most items of attitude/awareness toward dental implants.
CONCLUSIONS
Most participants were aware of the knowledge and attitude of dental implants for replacing missing tooth/teeth, especially males, married ones, educated individuals, and those from urban areas; however, financial problems are the main obstacle. Additionally, the delayed implant is preferable for replacing missing tooth/teeth using dental implants among studied individuals.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Female; Dental Implants; Iraq; Attitude to Health; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Tooth Loss; Perception
PubMed: 38378507
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-03964-w